news release

Riverside Theatre for Kids presents the James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim musical classic, Into The Woods, with performances June 24 & 25, 2022 on the Stark Stage. 

With a book by James Lapine and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods takes everyone’s favorite storybook characters and brings them together for a timeless and touching retelling with a modern twist.

“We’re excited to be presenting this musical as a tribute to Stephen Sondheim,” said Kevin Quillinan, Director of this production and Director of Riverside Theatre Education.  “This is one of my favorite shows of his and its lessons get richer every year.”

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions affect everyone.

“The show’s major theme of a community coming together despite hardships has even more meaning after all we have been through the last few years,” said Quillinan. “This has also been an exciting way to introduce the genius of Sondheim to our students. We’ve also held master classes throughout the process showcasing the life and shows of a truly inspiring master.”

Boasting a score that includes such favorites as “Children Will Listen,” “No One Is Alone,” and its title song, the musical has become one of Sondheim’s most beloved and frequently performed works both on professional stages and at schools and community theatres worldwide. Into the Woods opened on Broadway on November 5, 1987 and closed after 765 performances. The original Broadway production, which starred Bernadette Peters, won three Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. The 2002 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival and a 2014 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep became a critical and commercial hit. A second Broadway revival of the show will open in July of this year.

The cast includes: Kristina Gregg (Witch), Zamarie Thompson (The Baker), Rebekah Glunt (The Baker’s Wife), Sasha Martell (Narrator), Timothy Cicco (The Mysterious Man), Brieyana Miranda (Wolf), Anthony Celano (Cinderella’s Prince), Avery Kissam (Cinderella), William Ricklefs (Rapunzel’s Prince), Melania Apostolico (Rapunzel), Kaitlin Simmons (Little Red Riding Hood), Ellie Palm (Jack), Katie Hufstetler (Jack’s Mother), Brook Billings (Granny), Julia Giacobbe (Cinderella’s Mother), Tyler Maurais (Cinderella’s Father), Victoria Vendryes (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Lauren Chesley (Florinda), Danielle Rustay (Lucinda), and Evelyn Hufsteler (Steward).

The ensemble also includes: Juliana Apostolico, Giselle Fernandez, Amelia Lewis, Carlee Miranda, Sophia Poulsen, Sadie Rankin, and Charles Suleman.

The addition to Director Quillinan, the creative team includes: Deborah Quillinan (Music Director), Emily Luongo (Scenic Designer), Anna Hillbery (Costume & Wig Designer), William Gibbons-Brown (Lighting Designer), Ryan Gravett (Sound Designer) and Amy Bowman (Stage Manager).

Into The Woods performances take place on the Stark Stage on:

Friday, June 24 @ 5:30pm

Saturday, June 25 @ 1pm & 5:30pm

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.